The Marine Corps turns 249 years old on November 10th this year—a birthday no Marine will let anyone forget. The only branch of the military founded in a bar is celebrating this month, and to celebrate, we’ will look’re taking a look at how the modern Marine infantryman is kitted out.
At this point, I’m an old man compared to the Marines of today. I grew up with an M16A4, an ACOG, a Beretta M9, and a horrid MTV armor vest. But things have changed—fast. Modern Marines are better armed, better trained, and more lethal than ever before. If Chesty Puller saw what the average infantryman carries now, he might just shed a single tear.
The Rifle: M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle
It’s my firm belief that the Marine Corps pulled a very clever trick to get a new service rifle into the hands of infantry and combat arms. They started by saying they wanted an Automatic Rifle to replace the M249 SAW. They conducted a contest and obtained the M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle from HK. A little later, it was suddenly the latest service rifle, at least for combat arms guys.
The rifle uses a similar layout to the M4, but the main difference is the piston-driven design rather than direct impingement. The gun uses a free-floated handguard for greater accuracy, and the base model has a 16-inch barrel. A Recon Weapons Kit reduces that length to 11 inches when necessary.
The M27 IAR has been massively popular with Marines, with a relatively successful and streamlined rollout. As a Corps of Riflemen, the accuracy potential has been a game changer. While the rifle is heavier than the M4, the squad’s total weight is reduced by ditching the M249. The success of the gun proves that you don’t need millions of dollars and years of testing to equip an armed force with a capable service rifle.
The Optic: Trijicon VCOG
Early M27s were armed with variants of the Trijicon ACOG. The Marine Corps loves the ACOG and Trijicon. The modern M27 wears the Trijicon VCOG, a 1-8X low-power variable optic. LPVOs have become extremely popular amongst a wide variety of shooters.
They are extremely versatile and allow for easy use at various ranges. The VCOG issued to the Marine Corps is a tough-as-nails optic, which is most certainly needed for an 18-year-old PFC. The optic uses a first focal plane design that allows the reticle to adjust in size as the user adjusts the magnification.
A partially illuminated reticle draws the eye in and works well for close-quarters use. As magnification increases, the circle expands and reveals an easy-to-see reticle for range and windage compensation. This gives Marines greater visibility, giving them an edge over their enemies. In combat, you can’t shoot what you can’t see.
The Suppressor: KAC NT4 QDSS
The Marine Corps infantry is moving towards silence, total and complete silence. Kind of. They aim to equip the majority of infantry personnel with suppressors. While suppressors don’t actually silence guns, they do significantly reduce volume. The Corps isn’t aiming for stealthy ninjas but rather improved command and control.
Being able to hear the instructions your squad leader issues is critical to a squad’s success. The Marine Corps went with the KAC NT4 QDSS. This isn’t the most modern, quietest, or lightest suppressor, but it’s tough. Remember, the average infantryman isn’t old enough to buy a beer. Their gear needs to be tough, and the NT4 has been well-proven in the durability department.
Light and Laser: AN/PEQ 16
That tan box you see attached to Marine rifles? That’s a PEQ 16. It might be a PEQ 15, but it’s likely a 16. The PEQ 16 combines a white light with a variety of laser-aiming devices, primarily for use with night vision. It enables Marines to aim effectively in low-light conditions. While the white light and visible laser aren’t often used, they have their place in certain scenarios.
The Bayonet: OKC-3S
Yes, Marines still issue bayonets, at least for now. For centuries, the bayonet has been a symbol of the infantry, and while the bayonet is absurdly rare to use, it’s still issued as one of those just-in-case things. Additionally, the OKC-3S serves as a utility tool for doing things knives do. It just so happens to attach to a rifle if necessary. The OKC-3S takes some design cues from the legendary KA-BAR, a knife well-known for its history with the Marine Corps.
The Handgun: M18
The Modular Handgun contest ended a few years ago now and the SIG P320 won in both full-sized and carry configurations. The full size is the M17, and the carry model is the M18. The Marine Corps, as a whole, adopted the M18 model. The M18 replaces the Beretta M9, the Colt M45A1, and the Glock 007.
The M18 is a thoroughly modern handgun, featuring a Picatinny rail for accessories and an optics-ready slide. Built with a polymer frame and a striker-fired trigger system, the design allows users to swap the grip modules—though it doesn’t seem like the Marine Corps is interested in that feature. With its ability to mount optics and lights, the M18 offers Marines a very modern handgun.
The Holster: Safariland 7360 7TS MHHC
To complement the M18, the Marine Corps selected the Safariland 7360 7TS, a Level 3 retention holster. It integrates the ALS and SLS devices for security, while allowing a quick and efficient draw. Made from a highly durable polymer, this holster is built to withstand the harshest conditions.
The Safariland 7360 7TS MHHC Kit includes the holster, QLS system, clip-on belt loop, and a single-strap leg shroud with a paddle attached, offering Marines multiple carry options. The modern battlefield demands flexibility—one-size-fits-all solutions don’t cut it. Troops on the ground need something different from troops in vehicles, and truck drivers require different gear than pilots. With this kit, every Marine can tailor their setup to the mission at hand.
The Modern Marine
On November 10th, Marines past and present will honor the birthday of their Corps—a day always celebrated by the nation’s finest warfighters. If you know a Marine, take a moment to wish them a happy birthday. The Modern Marine and his loadout show a new, evolved Marine warfighter and one that will certainly carry on the glory of the old breed.
